The Curse of Chalion

Lois McMaster Bujold

12/19/2006

Cazaril had been a soldier for Chalion who ended up as a galley slave on an enemy's ship. The slaves were rescued shortly after he was beaten nearly to death. Now, in pain and weariness, he is trudging back to the palace home of his youth hoping for some position to earn his keep. He is willing to accept any job, but the Provincara remembers him from before when he had been one of her pages. She hires him to be the tutor and secretary for her granddaughter, Royesse Iselle. The Royesse's younger brother, Roysa Teidez, is next in line for the throne for Chalion. She is aware she will be a political marriage pawn for Chalion's future.

The Roysa and Royesse are recalled to the main castle in Chalion to their half-brother, Roya Orico. It is time for both of them to become part of Chalion's future and alliances. As a trustworthy champion Cazaril accompanies them to Cardegoss as secretary, advisor, and protector for the Royesse and her close companion Lady Betriz. Cazaril is unable to avoid the men who betrayed him into slavery, but maintains a distance to protect himself from their retribution.

The Roya is very ill. Cazaril learns how Chalion's dark history has been passed down to the heirs. The political tensions are high as two men attempt to rule the Roya in his illness and sway the young Roysa and Royesse. They seem to plot to be the power in Chalion hiding behind the puppet royalty. Cazaril realizes that in order to keep his promise to protect the Royesse and Roysa he must be willing to die for them. His charge takes him on journeys and quests he never imagined on that lonely road when he first approached the Provincara.

My description barely covers the depths of this book. There is political intrigue, battles, black magic, retribution, faithfulness, and romance. Lois McMaster Bujold has woven a fascinating story with believable characters and a rich world. The religious aspects of the five gods are vital to Chalion yet do not overtake the tale. Instead they enhance and complete.

A friend had recommended this book to me about two years ago. I bought it shortly thereafter and put it on Mt. Bookpile. Right after I received my letter of completion for my degree I found it buried under other books I have bought since and pulled it out. What a way to celebrate the finish of school - with a captivating novel that opens a world of valiant all-to-human characters. This is an excellent book which held me through to the end.

The Curse of Chalion and it's sequel, Paladin of Souls, can be found at